Why your PlayStation Portal keeps disconnecting and how to fix it
⚡ Fast fix
- Restart your PlayStation Portal, PS5, and Wi-Fi router.
- Move your Portal closer to your router.
- Pause any large downloads or streaming activity.
- Check for PlayStation Portal software updates.
The PlayStation® Portal® lets you play your PS5® console games on a portable handheld player. You need a consistent Wi-Fi connection to stream your games, though. If the device disconnects, you lose your ability to play until you reconnect.
Repeatedly disconnecting from your PlayStation Portal is incredibly frustrating. It interrupts your game and leaves you scrambling to find a solution fast.
Asurion Experts help countless users like you troubleshoot their gaming devices every day. If your PlayStation Portal keeps disconnecting, our team has put together this guide on how to fix the issue in just a few simple steps.
Check your Wi-Fi signal strength
When you’re having PlayStation Portal connection issues, your Wi-Fi is the first thing you should check.
On your Portal, follow these steps to check your network status:
- Press the PlayStation button on the left of your Portal to open the quick menu.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Toggle on Show Network Status.
- Check the performance overlay for your Wi-Fi signal strength and upload/download speeds.
If your signal is weak, your Portal may have trouble staying connected to your PS5, leading to disruptions. Try not to get too far from your Wi-Fi router when using your Portal, as the signal will be weaker.
You also want to avoid putting too many walls between the Portal and the router, or anything else that could cause signal interference. This includes household electronics, such as microwave ovens and baby monitors.
Your Wi-Fi network probably has two bands: 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. A 5 GHz band provides faster speeds but with a shorter range. The 2.4GHz band is the opposite—the signal travels further but is often crowded and slower.
Signal quality matters more than raw internet speed when using the Portal. You need a stable, uninterrupted signal, so choose your location and Wi-Fi band carefully.
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Reduce network congestion on your home network
You should also consider how many people are currently using your Wi-Fi and what they’re using it for. If there are lots of devices connected to your Wi-Fi network, it could get crowded, especially if they’re streaming or downloading content. Completing cloud backups also puts a lot of strain on your network.
Even when your internet speeds look good, if your network is congested, your Remote Play sessions may get interrupted. Your Portal and all the other devices on the network are competing for limited wireless bandwidth. You end up with buffering and dropped connections.
If your PlayStation is on the 2.4GHz band, consider moving to the 5GHz band, since it’s often much less congested. Switching bands is one way to improve your internet connection for gaming.
You can also try to play on your Portal when there are fewer devices actively using your home network. Disconnect your other devices from the Wi-Fi when you want to play so they don’t contribute to the congestion.
Review your PS5 and router settings
If your PS Portal keeps disconnecting, check your router settings:
- Firmware update: Make sure your firmware is updated and you don’t have quality of service (QoS) settings enabled.
- NAT issues: Use bridge mode on your modem to avoid network address translation (NAT) issues.
- Mesh-network roaming: If you have a mesh network, disable fast roaming, as it can cause unexpected disconnects.
On your PS5, go to Settings > System > Power Saving. Adjust the settings to make sure the console doesn’t go into rest mode too quickly. Enable Stay Connected to the Internet while you're at it.
In Settings > System > Remote Play, toggle on Enable Remote Play.
Update your PlayStation Portal and PS5 software
Software bugs on your PlayStation Portal or PS5 can put extra strain on your devices and lead to connection instability.
What to do if disconnects continue
If your Portal keeps disconnecting, try testing it on a different Wi-Fi network.
If you've tried these steps and still need a little help, we're right around the corner. Schedule a repair at the nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store and our certified experts can get your device back up and running as soon as the same day.
FAQ
Why does my PlayStation Portal keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
Weak signal strength, network congestion, outdated software, or router settings are the most common causes.
Does internet speed matter for PlayStation Portal?
Yes, but stability matters even more. A steady connection usually performs better than a faster connection that constantly drops.
Will restarting my router fix PlayStation Portal disconnects?
Sometimes. Restarting your router can clear temporary network issues and improve connection stability.
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